Finnair, Finland's national flag carrier, has announced a significant expansion to its long-haul network with the introduction of daily flights to Melbourne, Australia, commencing in October 2026. The new route will operate via Bangkok using an Airbus A350 aircraft, marking Melbourne as a fresh destination for the airline.
This strategic move connects Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network through its Helsinki hub. Anssi Partanen, Market Director Europe at Finnair, highlighted the importance of this route, stating, “Melbourne is an important destination for many people in the UK and Ireland travelling to visit friends and family across the globe, and we are thrilled to announce this unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres.”
The flight schedule is designed for operational efficiency, with departures from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Melbourne the following morning after a brief stop in Bangkok. Return flights will leave Melbourne in the afternoon, ensuring passengers can connect with Finnair’s first morning departures across Europe.
Melbourne, renowned as Australia's cultural capital, is a popular destination due to its vibrant food, culture, and sports scene. The city also hosts a large European diaspora and a significant community of foreign students and expatriates.
The Melbourne flights will be available for booking from 18 December, with the inaugural flight set for 25 October 2026, pending government approval. This addition brings Finnair’s 2026 network to 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, and two in the Middle East.
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